thinking bible.

You asked

how did other ancient near eastern cultures describe human creation or the source of life?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Genesis 2:7

Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

This passage is from the second creation account in the book of Genesis, focusing on the detailed creation of humanity. It describes God (here called 'Yahweh God') forming the first human, Adam, from the earth and giving him life.

What does this origin story suggest about our connection to the physical world and to a source of life beyond ourselves?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Psalm 139:13-14

    This psalm speaks of God intimately forming and knowing a person from before birth.

  • Job 33:4

    Job also refers to the Spirit of God giving life and breath to humanity.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:7

    This passage speaks of the dust returning to the earth and the spirit returning to God upon death.

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